Ready to make the yearly migration to Europe this summer? Here are 5 places to consider.
Scotland
The highlands of Scotland are arguably, the most beautiful and most dramatic part of Great Britain. With miles and miles of rolling hills, moorland, rivers, lochs and forests, this part of Scotland is dominated by large private estates with grand castles or country houses sitting amidst thousands of acres of their own land. Over hundreds of years, these castles and country houses have played host to grand house parties, sporting parties and royalty from throughout Europe. Now, you don’t have to own one to live the life of a laird, you can rent one for exclusive use (without the responsibility of being the laird!) for as long as you like.
- The Tower of Lethendy, Perthshire, Scotland.
Where better to base yourselves than this fully staffed and catered private castle? It has been beautifully renovated and sits amidst a 50 acre estate, with its own 18 hole private golf course. It sleeps 16 people in 8 bedrooms with 7 bathrooms, so you wouldn’t be short of space or luxury. With tennis courts, outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna and small gym, billiards and table tennis rooms there is so much to do whilst staying here without having to go anywhere else.
- Kinfauns Castle, Perthshire, Scotland.
Resting within a mile of the city of Perth, this castle is truly spectacular, luxurious and full of grandeur. There are 15 ensuite main bedrooms plus gym, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, bar, billiard room and a 12 set cinema to relax in with your favourite movie at the end of the day. Only a 60 minute drive from Edinburgh Airport and 30 minutes from Gleneagles, it is extremely secure and private.
England
England has a slightly different flavour and has so much to offer any traveller. With the wonderful quintessentially English landscape of the Cotswolds to the wilder more open landscape of Northumberland, there are many grand houses to discover that offer those who stay in them, grandeur and luxury combined.
- Langley Park, Cotswolds, England.
A gloriously restored example of a classic English stately home. Set in beautifully laid out and secluded gardens the extensive grounds provide guests with peace and privacy. The house is a Georgian Grade II listed building, in Cotswold stone. The house has been massively restored in recent years and is now extremely comfortable, with lovely large rooms and huge windows making the house feel wonderfully light and spacious. Filled with modern art and with every modern comfort this house is truly luxurious. It sleeps 18 guests and has a basement nightclub, media room, spa room, heated outdoor pool and all weather tennis courts. Plenty to keep it’s guests entertained.
- Shawford Park, Hampshire, England.
This elegant 17th Century house dating back to 1680 sits in extensive private and secluded grounds with wonderful facilities. The house is filled with fabulous art and furniture and has a mixture of contemporary and traditional décor. It sleeps 18 guests with plenty of bathrooms (and power showers!). It also boasts a heated outdoor pool, football pitch, squash court, tennis court, tree house and small golf course. Only 90 minutes from London, it is very easy to reach.
- Millicent House, Sussex, England.
An immaculate, large country house, hidden away up a private drive and surrounded by an old English forest with 40 acres of parkland. This beautifully positioned country house boasts amazing facilities with every kind of high-tech device you could want. Attention to detail is the key, it is extremely comfortable and deeply luxurious and grand. There are 7 bedroom suites with it’s own cinema, two lane 10 pin bowling alley, Moroccan themed den, swimming pool & hot tub, snooker room, tennis court, trampoline, gym and sauna, table tennis and pinball. It is a wonderful house for entertaining family members of all ages.
Contributed by Annabel Wishart, Travel Consultant for Loyd & Townsend Rose (LTR) – www.ltr.co.uk
